Marriage Proposal at Bridges of Madison County

My fiance Mike had planned a surprise weekend trip for the two of us, which didn't seem so strange because we do that sort of thing a lot. So when we started driving, I didn't know where we'd end up.

We began traveling south from Wisconsin and headed in the direction of Iowa. I kept saying to him; "Have you ever BEEN to Iowa? Do you realize there's nothing there but CORN?" He just smiled and told me to wait and see.

Well, a few hours later, I just couldn't stand it anymore and was begging for clues as to our destination. All he would tell me is that we were going to IA and the town was famous for something. We checked into this adorable bed and breakfast - a big old Victorian home renovated and run by this little old woman. (Who was in on the whole thing, by the way!)

He suggested we take a drive and maybe pick up something to eat, so we hopped into the car and headed out. I couldn't believe it when he pulled up in front of the Roseman Covered Bridge! That is the one featured in the movie, "Bridges of Madison County," which just so happens to be one of my favorites!

It was an overcast day, so there wasn't anyone else on the bridge. I was reading some of the carvings that people had left on the inside of the bridge when I turned around and saw Mike down on one knee. He said, and I'll remember these words forever:"Rachel, you are the love of my life. Some people search all their lives for this type of love - others don't even think it exists. This kind of certainty comes but just once in a lifetime and I want to spend that lifetime with you. Will you marry me?"

Well, of course I said yes through my tears and disbelief. We stood there alone on that romantic bridge crying, laughing, and kissing each other until finally a curious onlooker asked if everything was alright. We laughed and explained what had just happened. When we got back to the B&B, the caretaker had put a bottle of champagne on ice in our room with a simple "Congratulations!" It was the most memorable day of my life!